Packers vs. Falcons Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jordan Love Continue To Win Over Packers Fans?
The Packers and the Falcons kick off NFL Sunday Week 2. Can Jordan Love continue to win over Packers fans? Jason Radowitz shares his Packers vs. Falcons prediction and pick.
Jason Radowitz - September 15, 2023, 9:23 AM EDT
5 minPackers vs. Falcons Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jordan Love Continue To Win Over Packers Fans?
Jordan Love's season debut couldn't have gone any better.
Love was named the starting quarterback after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets.
Love was drafted with the 26th overall selection by the Packers in 2020. He waited his turn behind Rodgers and finally got his opportunity to lead the franchise this season.
In his first start as the legitimate starter, Love went 15-for-27, with 245 yards passing and three touchdowns. He finished with the 6th best QBR in the NFL and didn't throw a single interception against the Bears in a 38-20 win over their divisional rivals.
The Packers will continue that momentum against the Atlanta Falcons, who are also 1-0. Like Love, Desmond Ridder finally earned the starting job for the Falcons earlier last season. However, he didn't look as good as Love did to begin the year.
Can Love and the Packers start the season 2-0 in their first season without Aaron Rodgers in over a decade?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons.
Packers vs. Falcons Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 17, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Packers vs. Falcons Odds
- Spread: Packers -1 (-110), Falcons +1 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 40.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Packers (-115), Falcons (-105)
Packers vs. Falcons Injury Report
Packers
Questionable: WR Romeo Doubs (Hamstring), LB Rashan Gary (Knee), G Elgton Jenkins (Knee), RB Aaron Jones (Hamstring), LB Quay Walker (Concussion), WR Christian Watson (Hamstring)
Out: CB Eric Stokes (Foot), OT Luke Tenuta (Ankle)
Falcons
Questionable: LB Troy Andersen (Concussion), CB Jeff Okudah (Ankle)
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction
Jordan Love never really showed his true potential when given spot starts while Aaron Rodgers was out.
But with an entire training camp as the guy, Love looks like a genuine No. 1 quarterback.
Love and the Packers earned 337 yards on offense against the Bears, including 245 yards in the passing game and 92 more in the run game.
Love only completed 15 passes, but he averaged 16.3 yards per completion. He also had six different players catch at least two balls. All six of those receivers added a catch of 10+ yards.
He wasn't the most efficient quarterback in the win. But he didn't turn the ball over and played behind one of the best offensive lines in Week 1. The pass protection was excellent, allowing him to earn big plays down the field.
Meanwhile, Green Bay's defense allowed 338 yards, with 216 yards in the air and 122 more yards on the ground. However, the secondary played well, and the run defense still looked outstanding in that game.
It's hard to contain the Bears and their run game, knowing what Justin Fields is capable of. But the Packers stuck to the game plan and made plays on defense to hold the Bears to only 20 points.
On the other hand, the Falcons' passing game was horrific in Week 1. Atlanta added just 115 yards in the air against the Panthers in Week 1. Desmond Ridder threw for 115 yards and didn't even have a completion to Drake London, who started the game as the No. 1 receiver.
The Falcons have an interesting running duo between Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson. But the passing game will struggle, especially against the Packers' coverage unit.
Let's take the Packers -1 here.
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons Pick
- Packers -1 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
NFL Odds
